Certain diseases can cause an inflammation within your colon. Culprits include ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease. These conditions can cause symptoms that are mild or severe. The good news is that there are treatments available to help you manage your condition. Many of the diseases that cause inflammation in the colon cause similar symptoms, but they all require different treatment approaches. If you notice symptoms that are suggestive of one of these conditions see your physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Common Symptoms
The Cleveland Clinic states that if your colon is inflamed, you may experience stomach pain, gas, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, cramping and bloating. With many of these conditions your abdominal pain is worse on the lower left side of the abdomen. You may have a loss of appetite, weight loss and chronic diarrhea. You may also notice blood in your stools and have a frequent urge to have a bowel movement without really needing to go. These symptoms may become worse after eating.
Other Symptoms
Additional symptoms include anemia and general malnutrition as your body does not digest your food properly. The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that you may feel fatigued and have joint pain and general whole-body aches. In some cases there is also a fever present. You may constantly lose blood through your bowels and develop abdominal edema. If you have diverticulitis you are at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection. This may cause painful urination and the need to urinate frequently.
Complications
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, conditions that cause inflammation of the colon can also cause arthritis-like pain, eye inflammation and liver disease. While the cause of these complications is unknown, there is speculation that there may be a general malfunction within your immune system. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, the Cleveland Clinic states that you may develop erythema nodosum, which are tender nodules that appear on the hands, fingers, feet and toes. If you have a more severe case of diverticulitis, the lining of your abdomen may swell leading to muscle spasms and infection. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America states that "Children who have Crohn's disease may suffer delayed growth and sexual development."
